Prepare to be charmed by Isabel Allende, even in the midst of winter

Writer Isabel Allende has cast a spell on her readers since at least 1982, when she published her first major work “The House of the Spirts.” Her fiction, noted for elements of magic realism, has struck a deep chord. She has sold nearly 70 million books.

Allende is also known for her non-fiction works, and as a philanthropist. She started The Isabel Allende Foundation to honor her daughter Paula, who died in 1992. The foundation donates money to organizations that support women and girls around the world.

Her latest best-selling novel is “In the Midst of Winter.” Allende talks here about how she came to the story of a young Guatemalan immigrant, a Chilean exile and a reclusive landlord thrown together by a winter storm in Brooklyn.

But perhaps more importantly, she talks with Seattle Arts & Lectures’ Ruth Dickey about what’s happening in the world, and the amazing journey of her life so far. This Seattle Arts & Lectures event took place at Benaroya Hall on November 28. Sonya Harris recorded the conversation.

What’s a progressive citizenry to do? It’s been over a year since President Donald Trump was elected. Liberal Seattleites reacted to that event (they call it “the incident” here) in various ways.

The individuals you’ll hear in these talks switched careers, took a road trip to conservative Oregon, reflected on the balance between parenting and activism, sought ways to confront family divisions, and took up boxing.